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Teach, Explore, Grow:
Your Placement with Gotoco

Funded Global Work Experience

Are you ready for an adventure that builds your skills, grows your confidence, and takes you somewhere completely new?

Our 2-week Leadership and Teaching Programmes in Thailand and Vietnam are fully funded opportunities to develop your personal and professional skills while experiencing life in Southeast Asia.

This is more than a trip

This is a chance to discover new perspectives, grow professionally and personally, and bring back skills that will support your future career.

And it’s all funded!

Apply Now!

Why join?

  • Full funding to cover flights, meals, accommodation, cultural activities, support, and more!
  • Develop independence, confidence, and leadership skills.
  • Gain international teaching experience that makes your CV stand out.
  • Explore a new culture, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories.
  • Travel abroad safely, supported by our experienced team.
  • Contribute to local students' English learning.

What could two weeks in Asia look like?

Your programme will be delivered by our placement partner, Gotoco.

See how your time in Thailand or Vietnam could be and learn more about our programmes in the video and from Gotoco’s Instagram below.

How the programme works

Over two weeks, you’ll take part in a mix of teacher training, classroom activities, and cultural experiences.

  • Professional growth: develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and cultural awareness.
  • Teaching practice: lead English activities in schools, nurseries, or universities.
  • Cultural immersion: take part in workshops, tours, and community life, and try lots of delicious local food.
  • Travel safely: go with a group of fellow UK learners and the support of our coordinators, so you’ll never be on your own.

Go to Thailand

In Thailand you’ll join a group of 10–30 learners from the UK to run English Camps in local schools.

Click through the sections below to learn more about what you’ll do in Thailand.

Before you travel to Thailand, our experienced team of coordinators will help you prepare and make sure you’re ready to make the most of your time abroad.

Having once been in your shoes, our coordinators understand exactly what it’s like to take the leap and join a programme, and are perfectly placed to guide you every step of the way.

We’ll make sure you’re ready before you travel, through:

  • Country guide – practical tips on what to pack and what to expect

  • Online induction webinars – meet your group and get ready for your time in Thailand

  • Group chat – connect with fellow participants before you travel

  • Optional TEFL teacher training course – start learning online before your placement

  • Ongoing support – our team is available whenever you need it

  • Flight booking and visa guidance – to make your experience as smooth as possible

You’ll help run English Camps in local kindergartens, schools, or universities organised with Gotoco’s partner, a Thai education foundation. These camps give students primarily from rural areas and small towns the chance to learn from international teachers, building confidence and motivation in their English studies.

This means you’re not only developing your own skills but also contributing to opportunities that many Thai students would not otherwise have.

On arrival in Thailand, transport will be organised to bring you from your airport in Bangkok to Ayutthaya – Thailand’s ancient capital; where you will join a full orientation.

Led by our experienced coordinators, you will:

  • Join teacher training sessions to prepare for the English Camps
  • Learn about Thai culture and language through fun workshops
  • Tour the ancient capital and learn about Thailand’s history 
  • Try lots of tasty Thai food and get to know your fellow participants!

After the orientation, you will travel to join an English Camp with one of our local partner schools in central or north Thailand. This will give you the chance to immerse yourself in a local Thai community, away from the tourist trail. 

What is an English Camp?

An English Camp is an activity camp focused on building students’ confidence and interest in learning English. 

Through fun activities, games, and lessons, you will gain experience in teaching in Thailand, while supporting local students to develop their language skills. 

You can see clips from a fun English Camp in June 2025 on this Instagram post.

What do the camps involve?

For the camps, you will either stay in one location or move between 2-3 locations to join multiple camps over a week. 

During the camps, you will

  • teach English and lead daily activities, developing your confidence and skills in leading groups
  • teach and exchange with a range of ages, from nursery to adults
  • deliver sessions focused on your specialisms in your studies at home
  • be immersed in a local community, and learn about living and working abroad

After the camps finish, you will travel to Bangkok, to see Thailand’s bustling capital and to reflect on your time in Thailand.

During these final days in Thailand, you will

  • attend workshops to reflect on your experience and learnings
  • visit local organisations and businesses, usually related to your specialisms at home
  • learn what it is like to live and work in a metropolis in Southeast Asia
  • Enjoy some final tourism before returning home

Throughout the programme, your accommodation and meals are provided. 

We are committed to introducing you to backpacking as a great way to travel the world, and we hope that you’re excited for this aspect of the programme. 

The accommodation and meals will be local and you should be aware that this may differ from what you’re used to at home – beds in Southeast Asia can be much harder than what we’re used to in the UK!

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared accommodation that’s simple, clean, and local, giving you a taste of everyday Thai life. You may also stay in shared dorm rooms during the programme.

All accommodation is carefully vetted by our team and is safe and secure. 

Meals

Three meals a day of tasty local Thai food will be provided. You will be responsible for any snacks or extra meals outside of those provided. 

If you have any dietary requirements or extra support needs, you’ll be able to let us know about these through the application and pre-departure processes.

Prior to departure and throughout your time in Thailand, you’ll be supported by our dedicated team of coordinators and our local partner’s team.

All of our coordinators first joined us as participants on one of our teaching programmes.

This means they’ve been through all the same steps and excitement that you’re about to embark on. So, they’re very well placed to support you!

They’ll be there throughout to help you thrive. But don’t forget, this is a professional development programme for adults, so you will be expected to show leadership and proactivity in overcoming any challenges you face, while having support on-hand from our team. 

Programmes run monthly from October 2025 to May 2026, each lasting two weeks. Groups are 10–30 participants, and dates fill quickly.

Be sure to apply as early as possible as popular dates will fill up quickly!

The provisional dates for the Thailand programme are:

  • Thurs 16th to Thurs 30th October 2025
  • Thurs 13th to Thurs 27th November 2025
  • Thurs 4th to Thurs 18th December 2025
  • Thurs 15th to Thurs 29th January 2026
  • Thurs 5th to Thurs 19 February 2026
  • Thurs 12th to Thurs 26th March 2026
  • Thurs 16th to Thurs 30 April 2026
  • Thurs 14th to Thurs 28th May 2026 
 
Note: The first date shown is your departure from the UK, and the final date is when you leave the programme.

Visas:

  • No visa needed if you hold a UK passport.
  • If you hold a passport for a country other than the UK, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You will be guided on this through the application and pre-departure processes, and you are responsible for any related costs and obtaining the visa in advance. 

Vaccinations:

Before you travel, you will need to check that your travel vaccinations are up-to-date. You should speak to your local healthcare provider about what vaccinations you need.

For Thailand, you generally need your standard travel vaccinations, such as Hep A and Hep B, Typhoid and Tetanus.

If you meet criteria for disadvantaged learners, you will be able to access funding support for vaccinations. However, you will need approval in advance and there is a limit on the funding available, meaning that more expensive vaccinations, such as for Rabies, may not be covered. 

You can see more info about the vaccinations recommended for Thailand on this link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/221/thailand

Go to Vietnam

In Vietnam you’ll join a group of 10–20 learners from the UK to teach and take part in education workshops in Da Nang and Hoi An, two beach towns in central Vietnam. 

Click through the sections below to learn more about what you’ll do in Vietnam.

Before you travel to Vietnam, our experienced team of coordinators will help you prepare and make sure you’re ready to make the most of your time abroad.

Having once been in your shoes, our coordinators understand exactly what it’s like to take the leap and join a programme, and are perfectly placed to guide you every step of the way.

We’ll make sure you’re ready before you travel, through:

  • Country guide – practical tips on what to pack and what to expect

  • Online induction webinars – meet your group and get ready for your time in Vietnam

  • Group chat – connect with fellow participants before you travel

  • Optional TEFL teacher training course – start learning online before your placement

  • Ongoing support – our team is available whenever you need it

  • Flight booking and visa guidance – to make your experience as smooth as possible

This programme is based in central Vietnam in the coastal cities of Da Nang and Hoi An.

  • Da Nang: a vibrant coastal city, popular with international teachers and digital nomads. 

  • Hoi An: a UNESCO-listed town with beautiful history and culture, only an hour from Da Nang along the coast.

Da Nang and Hoi An are less than an hour apart, and your time will be spent enjoying what both cities have to offer.

This two-week immersive programme allows participants to engage with Vietnamese students in classrooms, experience cultural exchange, and enjoy the natural beauty and vibrant life of Da Nang and Hoi An.

You will join workshops in a foreign languages university, and teach Vietnamese children in local kindergartens and primary schools. This will give you the chance to develop your professional skills, while learning about education in Vietnam. 

Outside of schools and workshops, there will be optional activities to enjoy the beach, explore local cultural hangouts, dine out at rooftop restaurants, and opportunities to reflect on your time in Vietnam. These two weeks will be a nice mix of learning, culture, and fun.

This programme is run in partnership with a local social enterprise that aids rural children and disadvantaged women through educational, vocational, and mental health support programmes in Vietnam. 

Through your time in Vietnam, you will learn about the work of this social enterprise and join sessions with women that they support. This means that you’ll be able to learn more deeply about society in Vietnam, and your time in Vietnam will also support a wonderful and impactful initiative. 

On arrival in Vietnam, you will join a full orientation to 

  • Join teacher training sessions to prepare for teaching English
  • Learn about Vietnamese culture and language through fun workshops
  • Join a city tour of Da Nang and visit the local museums
  • Try lots of tasty Vietnamese food and get to know your fellow participants!

During the programme, you will join a range of teaching activities to develop your professional skills and learn about teaching English in Vietnam. 

This will include:

  • University Workshops: cultural exchange and teaching workshops with university students at a foreign languages university
  • Nursery Teaching: you will join a local nursery to teach English and observe classes. 
  • School Teaching: you will lead on English Camps and fun lessons in schools. 
  • Cultural Activities: you will join sessions with our local social enterprise partners, such as cooking classes, coffee workshops, and crafts. 

Programme highlights include:

  • Educational Engagement: Hands-on classroom support & workshops with Vietnamese students (ages 3–18 & university students).
  • Cultural Immersion: Cooking and coffee workshops led by mothers supported through the local partner, crafts, bamboo boat tour, lantern night.
  • Nature & Reflection: Beach mornings, hiking Son Tra, rooftop dinners, evening reflection circles.
  • Leisure & Bonding: Movie/theatre nights, city hangouts, group dinners, rooftop gatherings.

Throughout the programme, your accommodation and meals are provided. 

We are committed to introducing you to backpacking as a great way to travel the world, and we hope that you’re excited for this aspect of the programme. 

The accommodation and meals will be local and you should be aware that this may differ from what you’re used to at home – beds in Southeast Asia can be much harder than what we’re used to in the UK!

Accommodation

You will be staying at our local partner’s volunteer house. The accommodation is shared to ensure you have community support throughout the programme. This means you’ll be staying in dorms with up to six other participants. 

All accommodation is carefully vetted by our team, and is safe and secure. 

Meals

For meals, three meals a day of tasty local Vietnamese food will be provided. You will be responsible for any snacks or extra meals outside of those provided. 

If you have any dietary requirements or extra support needs, you’ll be able to let us know about these through the application and pre-departure processes. 

Prior to departure and throughout your time in Vietnam, you’ll be supported by our dedicated team of coordinators and our local partner’s team.

All of our coordinators first joined us as participants on one of our teaching programmes.

This means they’ve been through all the same steps and excitement that you’re about to embark on. So, they’re very well placed to support you!

They’ll be there throughout to help you thrive. But don’t forget, this is a professional development programme for adults, so you will be expected to show leadership and proactivity in overcoming any challenges you face, while having support on-hand from our team. 

Programmes run monthly from January to June 2026, each lasting two weeks. Groups are 10–20 participants.

Be sure to apply as early as possible as popular dates will fill up quickly!

The provisional dates for the Vietnam programme are:

  • January: Thursday 8th to Thursday 22nd January 2026

  • February: Thursday 29th January to Thursday 12th February 2026

  • March: Thursday 26th February to Thursday 12th March 2026

  • April: Thursday 2nd to Thursday 16th April 2026

  • May: Thursday 21st May to Thursday 4th June 2026

  • June: Thursday 11th to Thursday 25th June 2026

Note: The first date shown is your departure from the UK, and the final date is when you leave the programme.

Visas

  • If you hold a UK passport, you will obtain a visa on arrival for Vietnam. For this, you will need to complete an application form in advance, and you will need to pay US$25 on arrival in Vietnam.
  • If you hold a passport for a country other than the UK, you may require a different type of visa. You will be guided on this through the application and pre-departure processes, and you are responsible for any related costs and obtaining the visa in advance. 

 

Vaccinations

Before you travel, you will need to check that your travel vaccinations are up-to-date. You should speak to your local healthcare provider about what vaccinations you need.

For Vietnam, you generally need your standard travel vaccinations, such as Hep A and Hep B, Typhoid and Tetanus.

If you meet criteria for disadvantaged learners, you will be able to access funding support for the visa and vaccinations. However, you will need approval in advance and there is a limit on the funding available, meaning that more expensive vaccinations, such as for Rabies, may not be covered. 

You can see more info about the vaccinations recommended for Vietnam on this link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/240/vietnam 

How the funding works

This programme is fully funded!

Your training provider has secured Turing Scheme funding from the UK government that covers your programme costs, including accommodation, meals, cultural activities, teaching placement, and flights (within budget).

Read on below for more information about what’s included in the funding. 

When joining this programme, You’ll receive fully funded:

✔ Cultural and training programme, including placement on an English Camp or workshops in schools and universities

✔ Meals and accommodation whilst in-country for the duration of your programme

✔ Flights to and from your programme start and end point (up to budget limit)

✔ TEFL training and certification (optional – see below for more info)

✔ Cultural activities and language support

✔ Essential in-country travel

✔ Personal and community support, including 24/7 support for emergencies from our in-country coordinators

✔ Travel/health insurance

✔ Pre-departure and post-programme support

✔ Life-long memories!

You will be responsible for any personal spending while abroad (e.g. snacks or souvenirs) and any pre-departure preparation costs not covered above (e.g. DBS, vaccinations, any visa costs). 

If you meet the funding body’s criteria for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, you will also be eligible for funding to support certain pre-departure costs.

Extra Funding Available

This funding can only be used for the below costs and is capped at £135 per learner:

✔ Passport

✔ Visa (not usually required for Thailand and US$25 for Vietnam)

✔ Vaccinations

✔ Insurance

✔ Health check (if required)

You will need prior approval to be reimbursed for any of the above costs if you meet the criteria for disadvantaged learners. 

Eligibility for Extra Funding

The criteria for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds set by the funding body is listed below. If you believe you meet these criteria, you will be asked to provide evidence as part of the application and pre-departure processes.

The funding body’s criteria is:

  • someone with an annual household income of £25,000 or less
  • someone who receives universal credit or income-related benefits because they are either financially supporting:
    • themselves
    • themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them, such as a child or partner
  • someone with experience of being in care or who is a care leaver – including anyone who is or has been in care, or from a looked after background, at any stage of their life a carer, meaning anyone who both:
    • looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, and cannot cope without their support
    • is not paid for this care
  • someone entitled to free school meals
  • a refugee or an asylum seeker

For this programme,  your flights will be funded up to a maximum budget limit of £905. 

To join the programme, there will be a £200 deposit* when you confirm your exact programme and dates. This will be returned when you complete the programme and feedback form. 

If you would like us to book your flights for you, you will need to pay a further deposit.* This is to make sure you are committed to taking the flight that we book for you. The deposit would then also be returned when you complete the programme.

If you would prefer to book your own flights, then you will also have this option. 

You will be sent full details about flight bookings during the pre-departure processes and we will guide you through everything.

Please note that most flights will include a layover on your way to the final programme location. 

*for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the deposits can be reduced in cases of genuine need. 

How will this programme benefit me?

Most of our participants describe their experience as life-changing.

By taking part you will:

  • Travel abroad safely, supported by our experienced team.

  • Gain international experience that makes your CV stand out.

  • Develop independence, confidence, and leadership skills.

  • Make new friends and lifelong memories.

  • Contribute to education and community development abroad.

And most importantly, you’ll have a lot of fun along the way!

Teaching English is one of the quickest ways to build professional skills while making a positive impact.

  • Career progression: real classroom experience and leadership opportunities to develop your professional skills and boost your CV. 

  • Personal development: confidence, independence, communication, teamwork.

  • Global citizenship: broaden your horizons and explore new pathways.

You can choose to complete our online TEFL course, learning how to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and understand different learner types. 

You’ll be able to work through the TEFL at your own pace before or after your programme, and can complete it to become a certified TEFL English teacher!

This qualification is recognised worldwide and can open doors to international work opportunities, and to show future employers in any field the skills you’ve developed. 

Employers value international experience. Completing this programme shows initiative, adaptability, and leadership. No matter what field you are working in, you’ll return with skills and experiences that set you apart and that you can apply to your work, studies and life back home.

How do I apply?

Once you’ve been invited to apply by your training provider in the UK, you can begin your application form with us. Simply click the ‘Apply Now!’ button below to get started!

In the application form, you’ll be asked to:

  • Answer some questions about your motivations to apply
  • Provide some basic information and upload your cv
  • Select your location and date preferences
  • Record a self-introduction video


Note: Once you’ve submitted your application, please expect to hear back from our team within 2 weeks.

This is an entry-level programme, so no teaching experience or qualifications are necessary! We’ll give you the training and support you need to thrive.

All you need to apply is to:

  • Have been invited to apply by your training provider – please note that they may have additional requirements
  • Be 18 or over at the time your international programme starts
  • Be an advanced level English speaker, e.g. a native speaker or otherwise have native-level English.
  • Have a clear criminal record (not all prior convictions are immediately excluded. If you have a criminal record, please contact us)
  • Be available and excited to travel to Southeast Asia!

 

Note: Our programmes are designed for youth development and focus on those aged 18-30. If you’re over 30, you’re still welcome to apply, and our team will discuss the programme set-up with you.

While applications aren’t competitive once you’re invited to apply by your training provider, earlier applications are prioritised, so make sure to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a place.

There are also a limited number of places for learners from each of our partners. 

Certain programme dates may also be more popular than others, so being flexible with when you travel will increase your chances of securing a place. 

70% of places are also reserved for learners who meet the funding body’s criteria for disadvantaged learners. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’re very welcome to apply and join us, but we encourage you to apply even earlier as there are fewer places available for those who don’t meet the criteria. 

Apply Now!

Meet your experienced host: Gotoco

Our programmes in Thailand and Vietnam are delivered by our placement partner, Gotoco. We have the same leadership team – Further Afield brings Gotoco’s international opportunities to Further Education providers and students.

Gotoco has over a decade of experience in running international work and teaching placements for over 5,000 students from the UK. You can learn all about Gotoco and their international placements on their website. Or check out their Instagram to see a glimpse of what your programme will be like. 

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Gotoco, our placement partner has nearly 1,000 4-5* reviews on Trustpilot. See below for testimonials from former placement participants.

Faxin X, Thailand

It was a lifechanging experience. Now that I’ve done this programme I think of how blind to the world I was before the programme. And working with kids has been so broadening, I learnt that I was good at a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn’t have discovered about myself. The programme has also affected how I’ve been thinking about my future and career, I have new things that I want to achieve.



Tamira B, Vietnam

The programme has benefited me in so many ways. It’s helped me gain a new skill and qualification. Also given me the confidence to be away from the comfort of my friends and family and be in a new country

I would recommend Gotoco as it is a life changing experience, I believe in shapes you. And the cause of helping local women with C4C is a good reason to get involved, let alone gaining a qualification and new life skills.

Anagha G, Thailand

Gotoco helped me achieve my dream of getting to live and contribute to society in another country with ease and comfort. From day 1, there was massive support from the programme organiser, who continuously checked up on us throughout. The experience itself was unforgettable – I’m walking away from it a better person with wonderful memories and deep relationships. Everyone should experience something like this once in their life!


Jack Profile Picture

Jack W, Thailand

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me patience, adaptability, and how to communicate in new ways. I’ve gained confidence, built incredible friendships, and learned that stepping into the unknown can lead to the most rewarding experiences. I’ve come away with memories and lessons that will stay with me forever. I highly recommend this programme to anyone looking for an authentic and meaningful experience in Thailand.

Lavinia M, Thailand

Gotoco is a great programme to boost your confidence and prove to yourself that you are capable of accomplishing anything! You are so supported the whole time, and you make connections with people and memories that will last a lifetime! I can’t thank them enough!!!!






Ruby R, Vietnam

My experience with Gotoco has been incredibly rewarding and eye-opening. I had the chance to teach a variety of students, from young children to teenagers, which helped me build confidence, adaptability, and real teaching skills. Living and working in Vietnam gave me a deep insight into a new culture, and the support from Gotoco helped ease the transition. It wasn’t always easy – there were challenges like language barriers and lesson planning – but overcoming them made the experience all the more meaningful.

Hamsa S, Thailand

Teaching in a new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me trust myself more, and showed me I can adapt quickly. I loved the school and the city. The students, staff, and locals made me feel welcome, and the vibrant environment allowed me to grow, learn, and create unforgettable memories. I have already recommended this programme to others. It offers unique cultural immersion, meaningful teaching experience, and the chance to build friendships that last well beyond the trip.

Emily F, Thailand

I have grown into a more confident person in a workplace and personal environment. I feel confident leading in a classroom and I felt that although the programme was challenging at times, I have found out that I’m stronger than I thought I was and persevered.






Ghazal Z, Vietnam

The Gotoco Vietnam Programme has increased my confidence in many areas as both a professional and as an individual. It has improved my teaching skills and different communication skills (not only verbal but other forms of communication as well).






Profile image of Danyal H

Danyal H, Vietnam

The programme itself was amazing, and the opportunities that came with it were truly life changing. This programme has allowed me to be more confident in my ability to interact with people from different backgrounds. My public speaking skills and confidence levels have spiked, and it’s allowed me to realise the future career I wish to be in. The programme was very well structured with immense support and opportunities from start to end, allowing you to enjoy the experience of travelling and gaining a qualification too.

Melanie S, Thailand

The programme has benefitted me both personally and professionally. I have gained a lot of independence from travelling by myself, teaching and making decisions which have also improved my leadership skills. I have gained more confidence in speaking in the local language and communicating with language barriers.